Campaign signs are seen in Redcliff on Monday, Sept. 13, 2021. (Photo Courtesy Ross Lavigne)

By Chris Brown

Only six candidates so far

Sparse councillor ballot not a concern in Redcliff

Sep 13, 2021 | 3:29 PM

REDCLIFF, AB – One week from the close of nominations, there’s a stark difference in the ballots in Medicine Hat and Redcliff would look like.

In Medicine Hat there are 32 council candidates registered, running for eight positions.

In Redcliff, there are currently six candidates for six council seats.

If no one else registers before the deadline one week from now, those six will be acclaimed.

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Redcliff municipal manager Phyllis Forsyth says the lack of options is not a concern for the town or among residents that she’s heard.

“I think it’s par for the course. We’ve had historically people submit nomination papers up in the last 10 minutes so, there’s still a week,” she said.

The nomination period doesn’t close until Sept. 20 at noon. Forsyth says she’s heard rumours that more people will soon be filing their papers.

No matter how long the ballot ends up being there is likely to be a good mix of old and new faces on the next council.

“We know that we have one candidate, one of our current council candidates not returning and we know that we have one of our council members as a mayoral candidate,” said Forsyth. “So we do know that we’re going to have a couple of new members on council anyway so some new ideas and new blood. Some history in maybe some of our remaining so I think it’s a great balance.”

There are four people running to be mayor of Redcliff.

As for debates, Forsyth says town council was to discuss the possibility of an online forum at its meeting on Monday.

Election day is Oct. 18.